AROUND THE AMMOS – April 17, 2026

Read the latest weekly headlines around the VAFA — off the field and around the boundary line.

BLUES TO PAY TRIBUTE TO WILL RICHTER

As a touching tribute to beloved Uni Blues player Will Richter, who was tragically killed in a traffic accident in September, all Uni Blues teams will be wear black arm bands this weekend in Will’s memory. The Holmesglen U19 Premier game between Uni Blues and Caulfield Grammarians will also observe a minute’s silence prior to the commencement of their match at the University Main Oval.

Having been a talented young player and loved teammate in his two seasons at the Blues, including winning 2025 Best Finals Player for his exceptional finals performance, the club have announced the Best Finals Player medal will henceforth be known as the Will Richter Medal, and have symbolically retired his #1 playing guernsey in the Premier Under 19 team.

HISTORIC MOMENTS IN 2026

Fresh off the VAFA’s centenary celebrations in 2025, the VAFA Umpires Association will headline its own 100-year milestone in 2026, marking a century of officiating, commitment and contribution to the game.

Prahran Football Club marks a remarkable 140 years, while Kew Football Club reaches an extraordinary 150-year milestone. Chadstone (Syndal Tally Ho) hits 60 years, and Whitefriars chalks up 40, rounding out a spread of anniversaries that reflect both the rich history and continued growth of VAFA football.

MCC HOST WOMEN’S ROUND ROBIN

MCC Football Club hosted a round robin practice match event for their women’s team on Saturday 11 April. The club played host at Beaumaris Secondary College to Albert Park, Old Haileybury and South Melbourne, each team playing three 60-minute games.

With brand new players in every team, it gave them a taste of the season to come and also coaches the opportunity to try players in different positions and work on the set-plays they’ve been working on throughout pre-season. 

VAFA ALUMNI MAKES AFL DEBUT

Former Old Ivanhoe Grammarians ruckman Ollie Hayes-Brown made his AFL debut for Richmond at Gather Round against the Giants — and has credited Ivanhoe for helping him get there. A London-born basketballer, it wasn’t until he reached the VAFA’s Premier B that Ollie was able to begin working on his footy craft. It wasn’t long before he found his footing and was signed as a Category B Rookie, trialling with Richmond and Adelaide before being given the call up of his life to play for the Tigers.

“I wouldn’t be here without those Ivanhoe guys,” Ollie told the Herald Sun. “They allowed me to play freely and have a crack and it didn’t matter if I stuffed up or missed a kick. They literally said go play footy and have fun.”

GYG IS BACK FOR 2026

Guzman y Gomez (GYG), the Official QSR Partner of the VAFA, are back for 2026 with their weekly Player of the Match Awards. Clubs will be able to distribute these to the player deemed best-on-field from each of your teams, every round, for the duration of the home and away season.